Sees Behind Trees
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Book Brief
104
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Survival FictionForest, Virginia Territory • 1500s
•
Coming of Age•
Community1996
Middle grade
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris is a young adult novel that follows a Native American boy who is visually impaired. As he hones his exceptional hearing skills, he embarks on a journey that challenges his understanding of perception, community, and identity within his tribe.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Fantastical
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
996 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris is praised for its rich cultural depiction and compelling coming-of-age story. The novel vividly portrays Native American life, emphasizing themes of growth and perception. Some critiques mention a lack of depth in secondary characters, but overall, it’s lauded for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, appealing to young readers and educators alike.
Who Should Read Sees Behind Trees?
A reader who enjoys Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris appreciates historical fiction with a focus on Native American culture, coming-of-age themes, and sensory storytelling. Similar books include Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell and Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.
996 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
An older mentor figure with a solitary lifestyle, once a fast runner, who guides and teaches Sees Behind Trees while wrestling with his own personal past and ambitions.
The chief of Sees Behind Trees’s community and Gray Fire's twin sister, known for her hunting skills and wisdom, who helps guide the community and deals with family challenges.
Sees Behind Trees’s best friend, whose journey through the coming-of-age ceremony highlights themes of perseverance and personal growth in the community.
Strangers from another community who introduce Sees Behind Trees to the broader world, sharing moments of camaraderie and new experiences.
The son of Karna and Pitew, who symbolizes intergenerational learning and storytelling and represents a connection to and adoption by Sees Behind Trees’s community.
104
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Survival FictionForest, Virginia Territory • 1500s
•
Coming of Age•
Community1996
Middle grade
10-14 years
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